Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Milwaukee, WI: $50.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Milwaukee, WI runs $50.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,565 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Milwaukee's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.9, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,334 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Milwaukee, the physical therapist hourly pay reflects a robust $50.75, slightly above the national median of $50.62 per hour. This compensation supports various employment arrangements, allowing part-time therapists and per-diem workers to earn competitive wages in outpatient clinics, hospital inpatient rehab, and home health settings. For those working three days a week, the hourly rate translates into a substantial income, given the range extending from $40.93 for entry-level positions to $61.66 for top earners. These figures come from official projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, showcasing the demand for physical therapy professionals in Milwaukee's healthcare landscape.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.93 | $327.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.70 | $373.61 |
| Median (P50) | $50.75 | $405.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.93 | $447.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.66 | $493.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Milwaukee
Based on $50.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.75/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Milwaukee, WI can expect to earn approximately $105,557 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,898. With a cost-of-living index of 96.94 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Milwaukee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Milwaukee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,029.94 | $8,796 | $105,557 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,217.96 | $5,278 | $63,334 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $811.98 | $3,519 | $42,223 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Milwaukee) | $50.75 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
Physical Therapists in Milwaukee, WI earn a median of $105,565 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.26% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 3.00% above the Wisconsin state average of $102,490.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.75/hr = $63,334/year (purchasing power: $65,335).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,557/year (purchasing power: $108,892).
CoL index: 96.937 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Milwaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Milwaukee grew 16.7% from $42.43/hr (2019) to $49.53/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.00/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Milwaukee metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Milwaukee
Considering the part-time earning potential, a physical therapist working 24 hours a week can expect to earn around $63,012 annually. In the per-diem realm, billing rates typically range from $50 to $75 per hour, while travel PT contracts may offer $1,800 to $2,800 per week, including stipends. In addition, specialists engaged in cash-pay models, particularly in sports or orthopedic settings, can command fees ranging from $150 to $250 per hour. Hourly rates vary widely among employers; outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer lower pay compared to larger hospital systems, yet might present productivity bonuses. Some physical therapists may choose lower hourly rates with the trade-off of receiving health insurance benefits, while others might prefer higher hourly compensation without benefits. Negotiating for favorable terms in Milwaukee often involves highlighting experience, specialization, and the quality of patient care, and can vary significantly between different types of facilities and contractual agreements.
More salary data for Milwaukee, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Milwaukee in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Milwaukee?
Are physical therapists in Milwaukee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Milwaukee?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in Milwaukee. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov